As we officially put an end to the 2022-2023 season it’s fair to say the Quakers deserve to be nothing but proud of what they accomplished this year. The Quakers finished the season with an overall record of 21-2, securing both the regular season Colonial States College Hockey Conference (CSCHC) title and the CSCHC championship for the second season in a row defeating the Millersville Marauders 10-3 on home ice. The Quakers also earned themselves an at large bid to the southeast regional tournament for the second consecutive season.
In his first season as head coach of the Quakers, Alec Artosky led the team to a nearly perfect 18-1 record in the regular season, securing the regular season title for the Quakers and the first overall seed in the league playoffs. Entering the playoffs as the first overall seed the Quakers were the clear favorites and they surely did not disappoint. Outscoring their opponents 18-4 in the tournament they left little doubt that after their second title in as many years they are the clear number one program in the Colonial Conference.
However Penn wasn’t done yet. After becoming the first team in the CSCHC to ever win a game at the ACHA D2 southeast regionals, winning two last season and advancing to the championship game, the Quakers were ready to turn heads again as they headed to Springfield, Virginia as the 13th overall seed. With a late go ahead goal from freshman Griffin Bond, The Quakers defeated #8 Michigan 4-3 to advance to the semi-finals. Although they would fall in the next game to #3 University of Kentucky, The Quakers proved to the rest of the league that Penn hockey is a perennial contender and should not be overlooked.
Over the season the Quakers collected several awards and accolades adding additional merit to the fantastic season. Starting goaltender Xander Kostelnik won several awards this season, CSCHC Best Save Percentage, CSCHC Goalie of the Year, and was named to the ACHA Southeast Region Second Team marking the first time a Penn hockey player has been named to a regional team. Junior Ethan Abraham was named the MVP of the CSCHC Playoffs. Coach Alec Artosky was named CSCHC Coach of the Year and was named Coach of the Year for the Southeast Region, marking the first time a Penn Coach has ever been awarded this honor.
The team success wouldn’t have been without its class of seniors who represented the heart and soul of the team. The program will not be the same without Captain Hayden Stephan, Assistant Captain Bill Houston, Xander Kostelnik, Alan Burd, Jerry Xiang, and Luke Beggy.
Despite the losses, the Quakers are still in a strong position to defend its title next year. Included in the returners is this year’s leading scorer Calvin Aliferov, who tallied 40 points in 19 games He will look to finish his Penn career with three championships in three years. His line mate Ethan Abraham, who led the team in points per game will also be back and as well Spencer Touhy who terrorized Colonial goalies all season.
On the blue line Assistant Captain Dhruv Raman and freshman Aidan Armaly, anchored the defense all season and will be ready to go to work next year.
Quakers Ice Hockey can’t wait to get back out on the ice at the Class of 1923 Arena next year. We hope to see you all there. #GoQuakers